Writers: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku
GhanaianNewsCanada | March 2026

The Government of Ghana has approved a new nationwide SIM card registration exercise, aimed at strengthening digital identity verification and improving security within the country’s telecommunications sector.

The initiative was approved after government consultations and will be guided by a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) expected to be laid before Parliament, providing the legal framework for the new registration system.

According to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, the upcoming exercise will introduce stronger identity verification measures than previous registration efforts.

The new system is expected to begin rolling out in the first quarter of 2026, targeting all mobile phone users across the country.

Why Ghana Is Conducting Another SIM Registration

Government officials say the decision to conduct a new SIM registration exercise was made after identifying major shortcomings in the previous SIM registration process.

According to the minister, the earlier exercise did not properly verify subscriber information using biometric data linked to the national identity database.

This gap created concerns about the reliability of the data collected during the previous registration exercise.

The new initiative aims to correct these weaknesses by ensuring that every SIM card is accurately linked to the owner’s verified identity through the Ghana Card system managed by the National Identification Authority (NIA).

Introduction of Live Biometric Verification

One of the most significant changes in the new exercise is the introduction of live biometric verification.

Under the new system:

• Each SIM card registration will require real-time biometric verification.

• Subscriber information will be cross-checked directly with the NIA database.

• The process will ensure that the identity of each mobile phone user is accurately confirmed.

Government officials say this will be the first SIM registration exercise in Ghana’s history to include live biometric verification against the NIA database.

This approach is expected to significantly improve the integrity of the country’s digital identification system.

A More Convenient Registration Process

Unlike previous exercises that required long queues at registration centres, the government says the new process will focus on convenience and efficiency.

Authorities plan to introduce digital self-service platforms that will allow subscribers to complete parts of the registration process online before visiting service centres if necessary.

This approach is intended to:

• Reduce congestion at telecom offices

• Shorten waiting times for citizens

• Improve overall efficiency of the registration process

Officials have also assured the public that unrealistic deadlines will be avoided to ensure that every subscriber has sufficient time to complete the registration.

Role of Key Institutions in the Exercise

Several government agencies and institutions will play key roles in implementing the new SIM registration exercise.

These include:

National Communications Authority (NCA)
Responsible for regulating telecom operators and supervising the registration process.

National Identification Authority (NIA)
Will provide access to the Ghana Card biometric database to verify identities.

Data Protection Commission
Will oversee how personal data and biometric information are collected, stored, and used during the exercise to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Telecommunication companies are also expected to collaborate with the government to ensure a smooth nationwide rollout.

Importance for National Security and Digital Services

Government officials say the new SIM registration exercise is critical for improving national security and digital governance.

Mobile phone numbers are increasingly linked to essential services such as:

• Mobile money transactions

• Banking services

• Health insurance

• Government digital platforms

• Online identity verification

Because of this, ensuring that SIM cards are connected to verified identities has become a key priority for the government.

Officials say reliable identity verification will help reduce fraud, cybercrime, and identity theft in Ghana’s growing digital economy.

Data Protection and Privacy Measures

Authorities have assured the public that strict safeguards will be implemented to protect personal data during the registration process.

The Data Protection Commission will oversee compliance with Ghana’s data protection laws to ensure that biometric information and personal data are securely handled.

Government is also working on new data protection legislation that will address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, automated decision-making, and cross-border data transfers.

What Mobile Phone Users Should Expect

When the exercise begins, all SIM card users in Ghana are expected to verify their numbers using their Ghana Card and biometric data.

Subscribers may need to:

1. Confirm their personal details linked to their Ghana Card.

2. Complete biometric verification during registration.

3. Update their information through telecom providers if necessary.

Authorities are expected to announce detailed timelines and procedures before the nationwide rollout begins.

A Major Step in Ghana’s Digital Transformation

The new SIM registration exercise forms part of Ghana’s broader plan to strengthen digital governance, cybersecurity, and national identification systems.

Officials believe the improved registration system will build public trust in digital services and support the country’s long-term technological development.

As Ghana continues expanding its digital economy, accurate identity verification is expected to become a cornerstone of secure and efficient digital services.